Malaysia’s ASEAN Leadership Strengthened Regional Engagement, Deepened Russia Ties - Ambassador
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN not only elevated the grouping’s regional role but also strengthened engagement with major powers, including Russia, said Russia’s Ambassador to Malaysia Naiyl Latypov.
He said the year was marked by significant diplomatic momentum, beginning with two historic Malaysian leadership visits to Russia, which he described as instrumental in setting the tone for wider regional cooperation.
In May, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Moscow and Kazan for bilateral talks with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders, and later attended the Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum as the main guest.
“This was the first time a Malaysian Prime Minister served as the main guest of the Strategic Dialogue Russia-Islamic World,” he told a media briefing on Wednesday.
This was followed by a landmark state visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, the first such visit by a Malaysian monarch to Russia.
Latypov said these engagements supported Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair, contributing to stronger dialogue frameworks between ASEAN and major powers.
Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, ASEAN adopted ASEAN Vision 2045 and formalised Timor-Leste’s entry as the bloc’s 11th member, which, in his view, reflected Malaysia’s capacity to guide complex regional processes.
“Under Malaysian leadership, ASEAN was able to raise its authority as an organisation. ASEAN is now playing a bigger and bigger role in world policy, especially in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.
Latypov added that Malaysia’s diplomatic coordination, including support for visiting Russian delegations at ASEAN events, helped maintain robust engagement despite logistical limitations.
He said Russia remains committed to ASEAN centrality and will continue strengthening cooperation in peace, stability and security.
“The situation in the Asia-Pacific region is very important for us. Because of this, we support ASEAN’s central role and are ready to work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries,” he said.
Russia and ASEAN are now working on a new Comprehensive Plan of Action for 2026-2030, building on the framework that concludes this year. He said mechanisms such as the Russia-ASEAN Business Council and the Russian Chamber of Commerce in Jakarta will help realise growing economic potential.
Latypov emphasised that Malaysia’s leadership helped expand ASEAN’s engagements beyond traditional partners, opening doors for enhanced connectivity with emerging global platforms, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
“Malaysia’s role this year was very important. Its leadership strengthened ASEAN’s ability to engage constructively with major powers, including Russia, and to shape the region’s strategic future,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
